Veteran Country Drummer Richard Vanaugh Dies

Country drummer, Richard Vanaugh, who played and recorded with a number of country legends, has died at the age of 61.

Vanaugh had a terminal liver disease and didn’t have much time to live following his diagnosis. In late May, friends and family held a benefit concert at the Nashville Palace to raise money to cover Vanaugh’s medical expenses. The event drew more than 400 musicians and friends.

Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Vanaugh began his professional career in the mid-70’s, drumming for the legendary country artist Charlie Louvin. His career included stints with a number of notable artists, including Kitty Wells, Mel Tillis, Dottie West, Lorrie Morgan, Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely.

In 1998, Vanaugh became a member of the Time Jumpers, a Nashville-based Western Swing outfit that includes Vince Gill. He also played drums on Gill’s album Guitar Slinger.

Here’s a clip of Vanaugh playing drums on a classic Lorrie Morgan track, “Trainwreck of Emotion.”